secretory component

(redirected from Secretory chain)

se·cre·to·ry com·po·nent

a polypeptide chain found in external secretions (for example, tears, saliva, colostrum) associated with immunoglobulins A and M. It also may occur in free form but when attached to dimeric IgA, it facilitates transport across the mucosal epithelial surface. The secretory piece is derived by proteolytic cleavage of the immunoglobulin receptor on epithelial cells.

secretory component

a glycopeptide that is attached to immunoglobulin A (IgA). It is necessary for the secretion of IgA into mucosal spaces.

secretory

pertaining to secretion.

secretory cells

the specialized cells in a secretory gland that perform the secretory function.

secretory component

a polypeptide synthesized by epithelial cells that binds to IgA to form secretory IgA (SIgA).

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